First, we need to find out what we're up against.
　About the demon pack Nahat was leading.
　I asked Haruna and Irene for details.
　Thanks to them, I was able to grasp the enemy's strength.
　The enemy force consisted mostly of flying monsters and wizards that attacked from outside the front. If that's the case, it will be difficult to deal with them with just us guarding the front gate.

It would be better to coordinate with the Knights.

　It's obvious that we don't have enough strength at this point.
　And many of the guards focus on close combat.
　They're not very good at facing flying or magical monsters.
　The Knights of the Order are more experienced in dealing with such monsters.
　The Knights are simply more skilled at fighting than the Guards.
　There's no reason not to ask for their help.

　I told Commander Bolton that Nacht, who had fallen to the demons, would be attacking us, and that we would need to work together with the Knights to intercept him.
"All right. I'll make a request to the Knight Commander, Gregor.

　Commander Bolton sent the request to the Order and they accepted it. However, when he returned to the barracks in the afternoon, his expression was stern.

"How did it go? I ask.
I ask him, "...... Nothing good, man. I was rebuffed. We'll do it our way. We don't take orders from a bunch of guards.

　Commander Bolton slams his fist on the table in frustration.
　Boom!　The surrounding guards cowered at the sound.

On the contrary, he wants you to obey the Order. You've got to be kidding me. We're independent organizations. We have no right to be affiliated with him. Besides, if we fight under his command, we'll end up as pawns.


"And what did Commander Bolton say?
"Ha. I told him to go f*ck himself. He's got his temples all twitchy and he's not happy.
Oh, .......

　I held my forehead and looked up at the sky.
　It seems the negotiations have completely broken down. We're both defending the same city. Why does it have to get so complicated like this?

"Mr. Zeke. What should we do?
　Seira asked.
"Shouldn't it just be us? Spinoza.
I'd be happy with that. I get nervous when I don't know many people. I'm a bit shy, despite my appearance.
I know that, but...
　I know that." - Fam was shy by all accounts.

"We've got a force to be reckoned with. There's no reason not to use it. If we can coordinate with the Knights, the defense will be much easier.
But Gregor turned you down, didn't he?
Not Gregor. Then you should ask his subordinate. We've got contacts.
You have contacts?
Yeah. Someone second in rank to Gregor and more popular than he is. He's probably out on patrol this time of night. Let's go.

　I left the barracks with the rest of the 5th squad.


　I walked around the city looking for her.
　I found her in an alleyway off the main street.
　Eleanor crouched on the cobblestones, a soft smile on her face, feeding milk to the kitten in front of her.
　The kitten was licking the milk with a chittering sound.

...... Hmm. Don't be so hasty, no one will take it. Drink slowly. I'll keep an eye on you.
Eleanor. There you are.
"Meow!

　Eleanor's shoulders jumped as she purred like a cat. When she turned around and noticed us, her cheeks turned red.

"......, did you see that?
"See what?
"...... I was talking to the kitten.
You had a very gentle expression on your face. You looked like a mother to that kitten. You're not the same person as the Ice Princess with the sword in her hand.
"......? !

　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it.

I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it. Hmm ....... It's over. I can't live like this anymore.
"There's nothing to be ashamed of," I said. I thought the look you were giving the kitten was charming.
"Charming, ......?
Oh.
...... Oh, yeah. I'm not a simple woman to be taken seriously. I'm going to play that over and over in my head before I go to bed.



　Eleanor says with a cough.
　She seemed to be taking it very seriously.

"...... You said you were looking for me earlier.
Oh. Eleanor. I have a favor to ask you.
"What do you want from me?

　I explained the situation to Eleanor.
　The city will soon be invaded by demons. I'd like to ask for the Knights' help, but Gregor has turned me down.

"I see. That's why you asked me, the vice commander.
　Eleanor said.
"It's true that I have discretionary power, so I can move quite a few people on my own, if not the entire Order.
"Then--
But only if it's based on my own judgment. If Gregor finds out that I responded to the guard's request, he won't be quiet.

　Eleanor looked at me with a glare.

I'm not sure what to do. ...... Do you still request my help even though you know that?
Yeah. Yes.

　I grabbed Eleanor by both shoulders.

But, Eleanor. You're all I've got.
I'm the only ......?
No one else. You're the only one I can ask.
No, don't look at me like that. That's a foul .......

　Eleanor flinched and looked away. Her usual bravado was not there. Her body shrunk uncomfortably.



"...... Oh, if you're so sure. I'd be happy to help.
Really?
...... Yes. But if that means I have to quit the Order, you'll have to take responsibility for that.
Don't worry. I won't let that happen.
...... So, yeah. Well, as for me, I'd like you to take the blame for quitting the Order. ......

"Hey, this guy. Isn't he too cute?
You've got the face of a female. The Ice Princess has no choice.
Shh!

　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.
　I'm not sure what to make of that. Now we will be able to meet Nacht and the others in perfect condition.